Human calcitonin in the treatment of renal osteodystrophy.

The effects of HCT (0.5 to 1 mg/day subcutaneously), used singly and in combination with a small dose of 1,25-(OH)2D3 (0.25 microgram/day by mouth), have been studied in 16 hemodialysis patients with hypercalcemic hyperparathyroid bone disease for a mean period of 6 months. An intitial improvement occurred in plasma hydroxyproline and hyperparathyroid hormone levels, but there were later rebound increases. There was little overall effect on bone histology, and 10 of the patients had side effects from treatment. HCT in this dose, alone or in combination with small doses of 1,25-(OH)2D3, does not appear to have a major role in the treatment of the hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism of renal osteodystrophy.